On Hiatus: God's Personal Reasons

Chapter 103: This God Offers Business Trip Consultations Too

-Kieeek!

The red ants roared ferociously, attacking the students.

Crash!

-These fucking bugs!

-Kieeek!

Anticlimactically, the ants burst like balloons with each student's attack. They were about the size of a puppy and about 30 cm long, which wasn’t intimidating at all.

I checked the catalog that Lee Geun-Wook gave me.

[Monster Ant]

Threat Level: Rank E and below.

A mutated insect monster that has been appearing in the past year. Its size and combat power don’t pose much threat. Commonly found in regular dungeons. With the right equipment, even an average person can defeat it.

True enough, the Monster Ant was so weak, that it didn’t even pose a challenge for the students. And yet, why did they bother me so much? Even though both their size and appearance didn’t resemble the imperial ants from God-Maker in the slightest...

Maybe I’m traumatized by them? I should get a hold of myself. Those weren’t even real ants! They were just mobs in a simulated dungeon!

“Mister? What’s wrong?” Sung Mi-Ri asked while I was still in deep thought.

I quickly cleared my mind. “No, it’s nothing. Wait, shouldn’t you be taking the test?”

“Hehe, S-ranks can forgo the simulation test.” Sung Mi-Ri giggled beside me.

I guess I can see why. Why make S-rank Hunters do simulations when they can easily clear A-rank dungeons alone?

In the end, not a single student was defeated by the Monster Ants. As expected of the students of a prestigious academy.

Despite knowing it was just a simulation, I still found it fascinating. After all, I hadn’t been to a real dungeon before.

[Entering D-rank area of virtual dungeon.]

Then, the increase in difficulty was announced.

-Kikikiki!

At the same time, Goblins—small, green-skinned humanoids—appeared, making unpleasant screeches.

I knew a bit about them. They were humanoid monsters the size of a child, strong enough to take on most adult men. They were also intelligent enough to use tools, so they could pose a threat in large numbers.

Moreover, there were stronger and specialized goblins called Goblin Warriors and Goblin Mages. Just like Hunters, they’d surpassed their inherent abilities and acquired additional skills. As a side note, I had my zombie female protagonist delve into a goblin dungeon for the sake of character development. Ah, the nostalgia...

[Entering C-rank area of virtual dungeon.]

Thud thud!

The students had entered the C-rank area. I saw green giants, similar to the goblins, appear on screen.

-Krrr!

There they are. The special goblin species, Goblin Warriors. They had a towering height of 2 m and a jacked body like Reinforce-type Hunters. Regardless, a certain student managed to defeat such a tricky opponent in a matter of seconds.

“Wow! Myeong-Ji came on top in the C-rank area!” Sung Mi-Ri cheered, applauding her friend’s victory as she watched.

After slicing the Goblin Warrior in half, Ko Myeong-Ji stepped on its body and cheerfully flashed a peace sign. When in reality, it was her familiar, Death Knight Hades, who’d defeated the monster. At this rate, she’d be able to make it to the strongest of the Goblin species, the Goblin Lord.

The Goblin Lord, an A-rank monster, was highly difficult to face because of its combat prowess, as well as its ability to summon minions. But of course, she had Hades, an S-rank monster, by her side. By the way, it wasn’t the real Hades, but a simulation made based on his spec.

Then, I turned my attention to another promising student in this class. Xu Zhu. A B-rank Qigong-type Hunter, named after the famous warlord from the Three Kingdoms. Despite her big build, she was actually a shy girl. I’d recently unblocked her qi points using my healing powers.

I was secretly hoping that she’d become an A-rank Hunter after Ko Myeong-Ji.

“Kyaaaak!”

Just then, a muffled scream came from Xu Zhu’s helmet.

Huh?

I looked at the monitor in a hurry, and saw Xu Zhu lying on the ground. She’d taken a fatal injury from the Goblin Warrior.

“Cheer up, Xu Zhu.”

“Yeah, this is just a simulation. You're much stronger when it comes to the real thing.”

Drooping her shoulders, Xu Zhu returned to the class. Sung Mi-Ri and her classmates comforted her. I looked at the results slip next to me.

[Highschool Division Class 3-A’s Academy Dungeon Simulation Results]

Passed A-rank Virtual Dungeon: 1 student (Ko Myeong-Ji)

Passed B-rank Virtual Dungeon: 3 students (Kang Ha-Neul, Yoo Joon-Min, Park Kyeong-Tae)

Passed C-rank Virtual Dungeon: 25 students (Yoo Sung-Ji, Kim Yi-Ru, Kang Jung-Tae...)

Passed D-rank Virtual Dungeon: 1 student (Xu Zhu)

Xu Zhu, a talented student, was the only one who failed to clear the C-rank virtual dungeon. As a B-rank Qigong-type Hunter, she should be able to clear at least B-rank dungeon, especially after I healed her.

“Maybe she felt under the weather? Or did unblocking her qi have a negative side effect somehow? Ugh.” My head throbbed as I pondered.

I’m pretty sure they said that those who only cleared up to D-rank in the simulation can’t participate in the dungeon practical exam...

The dungeon practical exam’s results didn’t only let the students advance to the university division, but also significantly impacted their job placements in guilds. Moreover, Xu Zhu was a senior this year, if she couldn’t participate in the practical exam, it’d be a huge disadvantage for her.

What should I do? Should I try speaking to Mr. Lee Geun-Wook?

***

Thus, I went to see Lee Geun-Wook, who was hard at work in the faculty office.

“...Ms. Xu Zhu?”

As he looked through Xu Zhu’s file, he rubbed his throbbing temple.

“That’s weird. She should be able to tackle it with ease. Besides, her simulation results from last year weren’t like this. Hmm, maybe she was nervous?”

Then, Lee Geun-Wook contemplated for a few moments.

“The dungeon practical exam is next week, so we still have one more week. Besides, the dungeon itself will be a D-rank Goblin dungeon with no special species. I don’t think there’ll be any problems.”

A Goblin dungeon? Oh, so that’s why there were so many Goblins in the simulation. I could feel the academy’s concern for their students’ safety.

“I can allow Xu Zhu to retake the simulation again before the practical exam. She’s a strong girl. She can do it as long as she puts her mind to it. Mr. Yu, please pay more attention to her and the others. They’re all students aspiring to be Hunters. I’ll do the same as well. We want everyone to succeed.”

As a teacher, he was as passionate as his bulging muscles. Moreover, it pricked my conscience to see such a young man looking so pale because of me.

“Excuse me, Mr. Lee.”

“What is it?”

I pointed my ring finger at him. “Healing Ring Finger of God.”

Tzzz!

My innate power activated, and a dazzling white light covered his entire body.

Ding!

[You paid 1 Gcoin for the healing.]

Along with that message, Lee Geun-Wook’s face, lined with heavy dark circles, began to glow with life. Widening his eyes, Lee Geun-Wook jumped to his feet.

“Huh?! I-I can feel strength surging in my body!” He grasped my hand in a hurry.

Why is he acting like this?

“I heard that you have healing abilities, but this is beyond my expectation! It seems that you can buff others too! How amazing! I finally met a Multi Ability-type Hunter! All this time, I’ve only ever heard of them!”

Multi Ability-type Hunters awakened with more than one ability. In truth, my abilities weren’t that of a Hunter's, but a god's. Nevertheless, it seemed that they were similar to Reinforce-type abilities and healing abilities. No wonder he mistook me for a Multi Ability-type Hunter.

“I’m glad to have Mr. Yu Il-Shin onboard! I hope you’ll join us for the dungeon practical exam next week!”

“Yes, I’ll definitely participate and help!”

I did want to enter a dungeon at least once. As a writer, it’s best for me to experience various events to draw inspiration for my work. Just in case, I could use my powers to heal the students if anything went awry.

As I spoke to him about the dungeon schedule and the students, I also learned that Immortal Guild sponsored the Goblin dungeon. Apparently, that old man wasn’t just here to see Lilith. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was already 6 p.m. It was time for me to get off work.

“I guess I should get going. Goodnight, Mr. Lee.”

I, Yu Il-Shin, was the only one who left work on time. But instead of leaving for home, I went to focus on my real work.

Upon arriving at the infirmary, I made myself a cup of instant coffee, before turning on my laptop. If I wanted to upload tonight’s chapter before midnight, I better get started now.

[All-Cutting Heavenly Sword informs that the repair of the Demon Lord is completed.]

Just as I was about to type something, I received news from All-Cutting Heavenly Sword.

“Oh, finally!”

During the holy war, I used both my Malevolent and Benevolent God’s divine powers at the same time to unleash the Demon Lord’s Pratāpana. The Demon Lord had been broken ever since. But now, it had been repaired!

[All-Cutting Heavenly Sword says he has amplified its strength. He keeps nagging not to break it again, or he’ll charge a much higher repair fee.]

This crooked merchant always tries to steal Godcoins from me at every opportunity! You don't need to remind me—I’ll just avoid using the Demon Lord as much as possible!

Who needs a sword anyway! I could handle most things with my bare hands now!

Then, the space tore open, from which a black wooden chest emerged.

Tzzz!

A sinister aura overflowed from it, like a black miasma. Now that the sword has been upgraded, something definitely feels different...

“Demon Lord, how have you been?”

Clatter clatter!

The sword stirred in response. Full of anticipation, I was about to reach out to open the chest when...

Knock knock!

“Uhm, Mr. Yu Il-Shin. Are you in?”

Hmm? Who would be here at this hour? Flustered, I quickly shoved the wooden box into my backpack.

“Yes, come in.”

A heavyweight girl walked in. It was Xu Zhu.

“Mister, I’d like to consult with you about something, if that’s okay...”

I gestured for her to take a seat. “Mhm, have a seat. Do you want something to drink?”

“...I’m fine.”

As she sat down before me, Xu Zhu looked grim. She must be concerned about the failed simulation test earlier.

“Don’t worry about the test results too much. I’ve spoken to Mr. Lee, and we’ve agreed to let you retake the test. So, please let me know if you have any problems, I’ll help as much as possible. Do you feel unwell? Is there an issue with your qi points?”

Xu Zhu shook her head vigorously. “No. You’re my benefactor. But the command from the Three Martial Association is absolute.”

Three Martial Association? I think I’ve heard that somewhere before...

“Keke, Grandson-in-law. Why don’t we have dinner together tonight? Hmm? Where’s Lilith?”

“Hold on a sec, Grandfather. Since when is Mr. Yu your grandson-in-law?”

“Hehe, Mr. Sword God! I made a bento box for you to eat while you work on your novel!”

Ko Sa-Deuk, Sung Mi-Ri, and Sword Demon all turned up at the infirmary together. Xu Zhu turned pale at the unexpected visitor. But did she have to be that shocked? Although, I could see why the presence of the Immortal Guild’s leader unnerved a student like her.

“Lilith went to Antrinia for a while... Oh, but I’m kind of busy right now. Can all of you come back later?” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“I’m sorry, Mister!”

“Huh?”

Just then, Xu Zhu pulled out a pale yellow paper, then gave me a big hug.

X-Xu Zhu, I’m a teacher, and you’re a student! This is inappropriate!

Just then, I heard the sound of paper tearing.

Flash!

“Grandson-in-law!”

“Eek! Mister!?”

“Huh?! Isn’t that the Teleportation Talisman from the Three Martial Association?”

Red light filled my view as dizziness pervaded me, making me feel motion sick. My eyes flung open moments later. Instead of the infirmary, a misty clearing appeared before me.

Where am I?

Shudder—

Xu Zhu was on her knees beside me, shaking, looking all flustered.

“Xu Zhu, where is...?”

Thud thud!

“Is that the man who stole Mount Hua’s sword treasure?”

“Amitabha.”

From the fog, a robed monk emerged, followed by a fierce-looking man with a huge sword slung over his back.